Sikkim To Charge Entry Fee For Domestic Tourists, Sparks Controversy

GANGTOK: The Sikkim government has implemented a new policy of imposing a Rs. 50 entrance fee from all visitors, including Indians, when they visit the state. The action taken before the peak spring tourist season has raised controversy over how this will affect regional tourism.

Even though the government did not give detailed reasons for imposing the fee, the Citizen Action Party (CAP) Sikkim expressed vehement opposition. CAP party spokesperson Mahesh Rai criticized the policy at a press conference, asking about the legality of charging Indian citizens a fee for visiting their own country. He drew comparisons to Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fund, which applies only to foreign tourists, highlighting what he perceives as an unfair approach in Sikkim. Rai stated, “It seems an inspiration from Bhutan who takes a sustainable development fund. They charge the same only to foreign tourists. We will be collecting from Indian citizens.”

The CAP also highlighted the prevailing financial charges on tourists, such as the charge for restricted area permits and the different entry fees at tourist attractions. They also expressed concern over the infrastructure of the state, mentioning issues regarding road connectivity and poor amenities for tourists.

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